Scott Lane – Page 39 – The Everyday Prayer

Good News

Re:Verse reading–Genesis 3:1-7 (day five)

This section of scripture we read and study this week is one of the most important in the whole Bible. These six verses are chocked full of truths and insights to many of the foundational doctrines of our faith. Arthur Pink describes Genesis 3 as the “seed-plot of the Bible”

What can we learn? What is to be discovered about God, mankind, the enemy, sin?

Sin: The effect of sin in Genesis is still seen today- man seeking to run away from God. The divine account is given for the ruined condition and current state of the human race.

The Enemy: The devil is subtle yet strategic in his schemes.

Mankind: Humans are powerless to walk in righteousness without God’s grace and presence. The natural tendency is for man to cover his moral shame by his own handiwork.

God: His attitude towards the guilty sinner is grace and love. He provides a solution to restore the broken relationship between God and man.

Looks like there’s good news in the midst of all the sin, shame, and uncertainty!

Main Character

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25 (day five)

The sixth day of creation is very distinctive. Man is created. The bible describes it as “very good”. There is no denying that there is something special about man, the way he is created, and how God chooses to interact with the humans. God communicates with them. He gives them responsibility, assignments, and opportunities to have leadership and ownership in creation.

We must be careful not to change our perspective and approach of Genesis and the Bible- not to falsely presume that the narrative is now becoming man-centered. Adam and Eve are definitely special and important characters in the narrative. However, God must still be the main focus and sovereign over all creation. A God who is only understood as the god of humankind is no longer the God of the Bible. Remember how Colossians 1 describes Jesus? “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

Garden

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 2:4-17 (day five)

A garden is the backdrop and context of man’s original existence. Adam and Eve would begin to understand God and themselves in a garden. God had this specific design in mind. Gardens require attention. They produce “fruit”, but it comes at a slow pace. Gardens demand constant interaction (watering, pruning, soil work, protection, careful and meticulous observance. There is a connection-personal and intentional. So, as Adam and Eve began the task of gardening, they have an opportunity to learn about life on earth as well as the character and nature of the Lord God (in chapter 1 He was just named as God- “Elohim”). In chapter 2 His name is Lord God-“Yahweh Elohim” a name that is far more personal, intimate, and relational). Sometimes we might wish that life would be like a well-oiled machine (predictable, mechanical, and simple). That is not God’s design (from the beginning). It’s a garden. What insight can we gain about life on earth? How can our faith in God be strengthened from the words and message of the Genesis 2 creation narrative?

Picture

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 1:14-25; 2:1-3 (day five)

And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. Maybe a helpful question to keep asking when we read through Genesis is, “What was God teaching the Israelites when He inspired Moses to write this book of the Bible?” In the beginning of chapter two, God presents a beautiful picture of life in Him. Scripture tells us that God rested. It’s a picture of complete satisfaction, fulfillment, and contentment. It’s a picture of the destiny of those by faith, love and trust Him. God rests after completing His work of creation. It’s also a picture of the heart that turns, trusts, and follows Jesus. Jesus taught this truth in Matthew 11. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Does your soul find daily rest in the Savior? Does your soul yearn for eternal rest in God?

Main Character

Re: Verse reading–Genesis 1:1-13 (day five)

In the beginning God created… v. 1

The Bible is viewed by many, as a collection of history, poetry, and moral teaching. In reality, the Bible in its entirety is a story, a true story. It’s a grand narrative that explains our existence, gives meaning to our daily lives, and encompasses every other story on earth. The first sentence of the bible introduces God as the main character (The Bible is about God). He is creating and designing the world as He wants it to be. No sin- no imperfection, everything reflecting His glory, power, and majesty.

It is tempting to read Genesis as just history (many do). Yet because of the dynamic nature of the story being told throughout scripture, this part of the story is a part of our story. However, we must know and understand who the main character is!! From there we begin to understand who we are. But we must start where the story starts. What can we learn and understand about God in Genesis chapter 1?

It’s a Heart Condiition

Re: Verse reading–Mark 15:33-41; 16:1-8 (day five)

Mark 15:31 “In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were … saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.” Did they really just say that Jesus cannot save Himself? Even after seeing Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead? (A greater sign) Why would they think, much less say Jesus cannot save Himself? They surmised that because Jesus wouldn’t use His power, then He didn’t have it. Their love for the praise of people and self-serving power kept them from understanding Jesus. They had no point of reference or heart for mercy, love, or self sacrifice. So they mocked it. However, Jesus’ heart understood completely- “unless a grain of wheat falls” (John 12:24). Jesus knew if He saved Himself He would not save others.
Only the Holy Spirit can change a human heart to understand and value this kind of perspective. May our hearts always demonstrate and easily recognize sacrificial love, mercy, and obedience.

Prayer Lessons

Re: Verse reading–Mark 14:43-52; 15:1-15 (day five)

“Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy”.

Isn’t scripture wonderful? Every time we read it, God has a new insight or principle for us to learn. Through the study of Mark, God has placed in my heart, the role of prayer (practice and priority) in a strong and vibrant faith. Mark begins his gospel with the example of Jesus praying in chapter one. Another 25 times throughout the book, Jesus models or encourages prayer.

What if Jesus’ frustration with His disciples in the garden wasn’t because He felt they had let Him down, but rather they should have been praying because of the testing and temptations that were coming their way? Jesus didn’t count on them for sentimental support. He had already turned to God for strength, wisdom, and courage. He was still aware and concerned for their faith in their upcoming spiritual and physical dangers. Mark clearly wants his readers to learn the lesson the disciples didn’t- the ability to stand firm in trials of our faith is found in prayer. The tensions and temptations are still very real for us. Will we learn and practice the prayer lessons found in the gospel of Mark?

Fear

Re:Verse reading–Mark 14:12-31 (day five)

How quickly they must have forgotten what had just been sung. Mark’s account of the Last Supper mentions that Jesus and His disciples “sung a hymn”. Ever wonder what they sang? In all likelihood it was the second part of the Hallel (Psalms 114-118). Look at some of the words, “The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I will look with satisfaction on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes”.

No doubt fear played a part in the disciples desertion and denial of Jesus. Here are some of the dangers of fear: fear can master our hearts and minds (leaving no room for hope, trust, and joy), fear causes us to be unfocused and unloving (God and others), and fear becomes the loudest voice we hear (drowning out the still small voice of the Lord). Maybe we should sing those lyrics everyday- “The Lord is for me; I will not fear”.

Teachable Moments

Re: Verse reading–Mark 11:12-33 (day five)

As parents, leaders, and believers we look for “teachable moments” (to grow and mature in our relationship with Christ, to pass on the faith to our children and the next generations, and to make disciples of those in our influence and networks)
His time on earth is growing shorter and shorter. Jesus is well aware and uses teachable moments more than ever. What was on His mind and heart? What were His teachable moments only days before His suffering and death? Mark 11 has several.

The Lord sees past outward appearances of religion and looks for true faith (fruit) as evidence of love for the Lord. (fig tree)

Prayer is a huge part of the growth, maturity, and strength of a vibrant faith. (temple and teaching on prayer)

God has a larger and clearer view of tradition, custom, and circumstances than we do. (Jews wanted their Messiah to cleanse the temple from the Gentiles, Jesus cleansed the temple for the Gentiles)

What are we sensing, seeing, and learning??

Humble Servant

Re: Verse reading–Mark 10: 32-45 (day five)

Why would Jesus emphatically teach His disciples to be humble servants? Being a humble servant produces the exact opposite of what we might think. What are the characteristics of a humble servant?

Joy– being a humble servant removes the pressure of trying to please others and leaves the servant free to act and react with joy and gladness whatever the circumstance.

Courage– culture teaches self confidence is the best source of courage. Actually, pride produces fear. (Fear and worry of what others will think, and perceive about us) Servants know that real courage comes from God.

Energy– God’s presence in the servant’s heart leads to great energy and productivity. (It is God who works in you both to will and work for His good pleasure).

Becoming a humble servant causes the believer to be the best version of ourselves (God’s design) we can be.